History of the Mandaean Community in Australia

​Members of the Mandaean community have either been killed or forced to leave Iraq resulting in about 85% of Iraqi Mandaean members to live outside of Iraq to avoid being killed or forced to convert to another religion. The Mandaean community does not exceed 100,000 members worldwide and from that number 5,000 members have found shelter in Australia; mainly in the western regions of Sydney, close to ther ritual baptism site on the Nepean River.  The Mandaean community began to settle in Australia around 1981 and the first priest Ganzevra Salah Chohili arrived in 1996 and a base was formed for the Mandaean community.

After they were able to survive harassment and trauma in Iraq and the harsh conditions involved in both the journey and resettlement process in different countries, the Mandaean community have successfully established a close-knit community network in Sydney. They have been able to make a significant contribution to Australian society. Many Mandaean members work in fields or ocntinue historic traditions of craftsmanship in gold or silver smithing. Mandaean individuals and organizations in Australia have been highly active in educating others about the Mandaean culture and religion and participating in multicultural events.